Yes Rolf and that's exactly the pitfall for this theory about tidal streams.

First I have to say that my reactions only apply to the Northsea (where I have the most experience with tidal currents). So with regard to fjords and/or oceans, I really couldn't say.

Second I have to point out that I'm not only a catsailor but also a windsurfer ("off the first hour"). We started windsurfing on the northsea about 35 -40 years ago on the Original one-type american windsurfer-board.
Later-on with the funboards, we discovered that as a windsurfer you suffer much more from the tidal stream then as a catsailor. That's because you can go less upwind then a cat.

So tide and wind direction play a major role in the comfort of a windsurfing session at sea.
It happened innumerable times that I had to walk back on the beach because the tidal stream hold me back to reach my starting point. And that ment always stumbling back against a strong wind with all my gear through soft wet sand.

So, I think I know something about tidal streams and where they are the strongest.

Sailing a deep track close-hauled far out at sea and hoping to win upwind ground and finally discovering that, sailing back, you loose it more and more approaching the coast by the tide.

Because of all that; for me it's not an opinion where we discuss about. This concerns physical facts , which are true or not.


Let me finally tell a little story of my childhood:

I was used to go fishing with my father on the northsea round Texel when I was still a little boy. We did this in a small oldfashioned rowing-boat.

One day we were fishing just very close to the south coast (near the Mokbay) when the anchor was catched by the very strong tidal stream.
We, stupid, have had the anchor-chain hung midbeam overboard where it was so clamped down to the sideboard (by the force of the tide) that we could't shift it anymore to the bow.

So, the boat was more and more heeling over and water was starting coming in.

My father and I nearly drowned that day (I was 10 year).


It happened 57 years ago, but maybe my whole life as a sailor has to do with this traumatic experience.
But one thing is sure; since that day I was and still am always keen on tidal streams!!!